Fuel protests in the pipeline as angry hauliers slam record £1.20-a-litre petrol prices

Fuel protests could be in the pipeline before the General Election as prices continue to soar at the pumps.

Prices have hit a record average of £1.20p a litre and industry experts have warned the price could rocket to £1.50p this summer due to the weak pound and increased cost of wholesale fuel.

It comes just days after the Government put fuel duty up by 1p a litre.

Andrew Spence, a farmer, who led Fuel Lobby protesters at the Shell UK plant in Jarrow in both 2000 and 2005, has warned that angry hauliers are prepared to launch action and make petrol prices a political issue once again.

The 42-year-old said feelings were running high in the haulage industry and blockades could be back before the General Election.

Mr Spence, who also runs a haulage business, from Consett, County Durham, said: 'I am very aware of the situation as I run seven vehicles.

'I might have been out of the loop for a few years now, but feedback I have been getting suggests people are willing to take action before the election takes place.

'The situation is desperate, and it is an inevitable fact that something will happen. Crude oil is not as dear as it was four years ago, it is the taxation that has banged the price up.

'We have to make an issue about it, so whichever party comes into power realises how serious the issue and situation is.

'Businesses are going bankrupt each and every day, and this is just one extra financial strain that no-one needs right now.'

On the warpath: Andrew Spence, who led Fuel Lobby Protesters at the Shell UK plant in Jarrow in 2000 and 2005 has warned that hauliers are prepared to take action and make petrol prices a fuel issue again. Pictured above in 2000. Below, protesters travel in a convoy to London in the same year, displaying banners rejecting then-Chancellor Gordon Brown's pre-Budget concessions

A further 1p rise is due in the autumn, with another 0.76p increase planned for January.

Petrol tax rises since December 2008 have now added around 10p to the cost of a litre.

RAC motoring strategist Adrian Tink said: 'This is a dark day for motorists. Petrol prices have been rising steadily over the past year and have now reached the inevitable record high.

'In some areas motorists will be paying close 131.9p a litre for petrol.'

He added: 'With the election campaign now in full swing, Britain's hard-pressed motorists will be keen to hear what the political parties have to say about the escalating petrol prices.

'This is a key issue for motorists, who are watching their bank accounts drained every time they fill up.'

The AA said a two-car family had seen its monthly petrol costs rise from £233.32 to £254.60.

AA public affairs head Paul Watters said: 'For many drivers, today's record price underlines what they already know - the cost of petrol is becoming increasingly unsustainable.

'Comments from retailers confirm research from the AA showing that two-thirds of its members are cutting back to compensate for soaring petrol prices.'

The RAC said the increase had been caused by a combination of factors including a weak pound and the increase in the wholesale price of fuel.

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Fuel protests in the pipeline as angry hauliers slam record £1.20-a-litre petrol prices